Undocumented Students: An Overview of Policies, Myths and Best Practices

Description

Undocumented Students: An Overview of Policies, Myths and Best Practices February 18, 2010 1:00-2:30pm EST (online webinar) HOST: Innovative Educators NOTE: Payment is not required prior to event date (choose purchase order or check by mail as method of payment). The recording is included and is accessible for one full year. WEBINAR OVERVIEW Over 65,000 college-ready undocumented students graduate from our nations high schools each year and this number is likely to increase. As such, higher education professionals are compelled to address the needs of this growing population. College-ready undocumented students have jumped the same hurdles as other college-eligible students, yet they have not been given the same degree of access to higher education. Without improvements in relevant college knowledge, guidance, and financial support, these students, many of whom are among the best their communities have to offer, will continue to be shut out of a system that is virtually their only means for upward mobility. Based on six years of research and practice with college-bound undocumented immigrant students, this webinar will offer participants insight into best practices for improving the college access and success of this growing population. The presenter will share information to dispel the myths about college-going, immigration and educational rights for undocumented immigrants across the nation. In doing so, she will provide up-to-date information about policies and practices to provide undocumented immigrant students with greater access to higher education. The session will include information about state and federal policies that shape college access for undocumented students and offer best practices for helping undocumented students persist through the college admissions, college attendance, and financial aid acquisition processes. A major component of the session will be best practices for assisting undocumented immigrants in securing funds to support their college education. PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN: *How state and federal education and immigration policies impact college access for undocumented students in their state. *How to assist undocumented students as they apply for college admission. *How to address the unique needs of undocumented college-goers. *How to help undocumented students fundraise to pay for college. *How to help undocumented students develop a network of support once they get to college. *How to help undocumented students improve their potential for employment or graduate school attendance upon college graduation. *How to help undocumented students determine if they are eligible to adjust their residency status. WHO SHOULD ATTEND? *Directors of Diversity *Admissions Directors & Staff *Faculty *Directors of Minority Recruitment *Outreach & Recruitment Staff *College & Financial Aid Advisors *Enrollment Management Administrators & Staff *College Registrars *Marketing & Communications Professionals *Student Services/Affairs Administrators & Staff *Financial Aid Directors & Staff WHO IS THE SPEAKER? Dr. Paz Maya Oliverez is the Executive Director and Founder of Futuros Educational Services, a non-profit organization that provides college-preparatory services to low-income and immigrant youth and professional development for school-based professionals. She is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Education in the Masters in Teaching Program in the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California and a Consultant to the Division of Student Services at Long Beach City College. Her dissertation titled Ready But Restricted: An Examination of the Challenges of College Access and Financial Aid for Undocumented Students in the U.S. examined the challenges encountered by college-ready undocumented high school seniors as they endeavor to make the transition from high school to college. Along with a statewide coalition of undocumented students and advocates, she was instrumental in developing The College and Financial Aid Guide for: AB540 Undocumented Immigrant Students, which has been disseminated to thousands of undocumented students and advocates throughout California. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Policy from the University of Southern California and a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Enquiries: pam@ieinfo.org